Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery for removing fat from various body parts. Although the abdomen is the most commonly targeted part for liposuction, the procedure is also conducted on the buttocks, abdomen, chin, neck, back, thighs, and arms.
Liposuction not only contours the body but is also beneficial in the following medical conditions:
- Gynecomastia – This is a condition where men have developed breast tissues. The fatty tissue of the breast is removed using liposuction.
- Lipomas – This is a condition where the body develops fatty tumors that are benign.
- Lipodystrophy Syndrome – This condition is a side-effect of taking HIV medications. The body undergoes metabolism disturbance, resulting in excess fat deposits in some parts and no fat in other parts.
Liposuction makes use of an instrument called a cannula that is inserted beneath the skin under a high-pressure vacuum to suck out the fat. This procedure removes the fat permanently and if the patient leads a healthy life, there is no chance of return of the fat.
However, there is a limit to the quantity of fat that can be sucked out safely. Excess fat removal can result in dents in the skin or may cause lumpiness.
Techniques of Liposuction
The following techniques of liposuction are used for sucking the fat out of the body:
Tumescent Liposuction
This is the most popular and common technique in which fat is sucked out through microcannulas.
A mixture of saline solution, local anesthetic, and epinephrine is pumped beneath the skin, in the area where fat is to be removed. Epinephrine is not only a vessel constrictor but also reduces bleeding during the procedure and post-operative bruising and swelling.
The liquid that is pumped into the skin creates space between the fatty tissue and muscle for easy maneuvering of the cannula. This liquid is about four times more than the fat to be removed.
Ultrasonic Liposuction
Instead of injecting fluids through microcannulas, ultrasound vibrations are passed through the cannula, to liquefy the fat and melt it. This technique is more effective in removing stubborn fat or when fat is to be removed from back, male breast, and areas where liposuction has already been done earlier.
But, the technique is longer and needs long incisions, which result in more scarring. It also causes internal and external burns.
Liposuction Treatment
The area for fat removal is marked, and the surgeon takes photos of it. He administers general anesthesia before the procedure. If the liposuction is on the lower body, then he uses epidural. Sometimes, depending on the area, where fat is to be removed, the surgeon may ask the patient to stand up during the process.
This process is usually not painful, but the patient can feel dull rasping when the cannula is inserted and moves beneath the skin.
Benefits of Liposuction
Liposuction helps in fat removal from the body, but it does not reduce body weight. Its biggest benefit is to help the patient gain back a slim body shape permanently.
The process targets problem areas like the tummy and others where it is difficult to lose fat.
Risks of Liposuction
Although the process of liposuction is fairly safe, the risks depend on the quantity of fat to be removed. Some of the common risks include the following:
- Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, and soreness in treated areas;
- Minor scarring and irritation around incisions;
- Temporary rippling or baggy skin.
What Type of Body Responds Well To Liposuction?
Liposuction works well on all types of bodies, but people with more skin elasticity can experience the benefits sooner. After liposuction, the area where fat has been sucked out becomes loose. If the patient’s skin is elastic, then the skin tightens quickly. Otherwise, it may take up to 6 months or longer for the skin to become tight again.
Younger skin responds well to liposuction. Also, the person who wishes to go through liposuction should be above 18 years of age.
Although this procedure is an easy way to lose fat, medical experts advise going for it only if the patient has not been able to achieve the desired result after dieting and exercising.
